Agdz and the Mezguita oasis

Gateway to the Draa Valley

Agdz lies 65 km south of Ouarzazate. After the winding Zig Zag road, the town's most prominent feature, Jebel Kissane, comes into view. Agdz is a small town with restaurants, a pharmacy, shops and a dates market. Beyond the south bridge, a beautiful road follows the Draa Valley all the way to Zagora.

Finding good accommodation in Agdz is not difficult. Many guest houses and riads offer bed and breakfast, several of them on the edge of the Mezguita oasis with kasbah style architecture and lovely views over the palms. A night here makes a calm first stage before continuing south along the Draa.

Tamnougalt, the meeting point

Tamnougalt, whose name means the meeting point, is the main kasbah of Agdz and the former capital of the Mezguita oasis, where the caid lived. As the Glaoua family grew more powerful, controlling land from Telouet to Taourirt in Ouarzazate, they sought control of the Draa Valley too. Hammou Glaoui, the family's military leader, eventually besieged Tamnougalt for 17 days with an army of 5000 men and cannons until it raised the white flag.

Agdz is easy to reach from Ouarzazate by shared grand taxi. If you prefer a guided day, the Quad Ouarzazate Zagora and Draa Valley day trip passes through Agdz and visits Tamnougalt, as do the private desert tours to Mhamid and Erg Chigaga. Taxi fares and travel times can change, so check them locally before you set off.